South Sudan, Japan, UNESCO launch project to improve election information access

JUBA – South Sudan’s ministry of information, communication, telecommunication, and postal services, in partnership with Japan and UNESCO, has launched a two-year project aimed at improving access to information during elections and post-election periods.

The “Project for the Development of Mass Media to Improve Access to Information for Elections and Post-elections,” running from 2024 to 2026, will focus on strengthening civic education and enhancing access to information for South Sudanese citizens through infrastructure development, training, and the establishment of community radio stations.

The initiative aims to empower young people by improving their access to information and developing their critical thinking skills.

It will encourage youth to become active contributors of information, providing them with broadcast skills as they prepare for journalism careers. The project also seeks to combat disinformation and hate speech.

“We in the government of South Sudan, and specifically in this Ministry of Information, appreciate the role of the people and the government of Japan and specifically, JICA. JICA has been with us in this ministry, particularly in the field of information and media,” said Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, at Tuesday’s launch.

“We appreciate the government of Japan, we appreciate JICA and UNESCO, and we assure them that we will make sure this project is implemented successfully without any obstruction,” the government official added.

Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Odagiri Toshio, emphasized the importance of access to information.

“I am proud that Japan’s financial contribution to this project, which is being implemented jointly by UNESCO and JICA, with the strong leadership and commitment of the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, is now underway,” Toshio said.

“Ensuring access to information is a challenge, and it is essential to create the necessary conditions for sustainable peace and credible elections,” he added.

Toshio noted that South Sudan needs to accelerate efforts to address key challenges, including funding electoral institutions like the National Election Commission (NEC), National Constitution Review Commission (NCRC), and Political Parties Council (PPC), as well as forming unified forces.

“While we cannot replace the efforts and obligations of the government of South Sudan itself, we remain committed to a coordinated and collaborative approach where we can. Working together on this project is a testament to this commitment,” he said.

The project will be implemented in six states (Central Equatoria, Lakes, Upper Nile, Unity, Warrap, and Western Bahr El Ghazal) and three administrative areas (Ruweng Administrative Area, Pibor Administrative Area, and Abyei Administrative Area).

Japan is a key partner of UNESCO in promoting freedom of expression and journalist safety, particularly in crisis situations, including Ukraine, and through its support of the Global Media Defence Fund.